Wan Jin Shi Marathon cuts 'boss-level' slope for 25th edition
TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Registration opened Oct. 15 for the 2027 New Taipei City Wan Jin Shi Marathon (萬金石馬拉松), Taiwan's only World Athletics Gold Label race. Organizers announced the removal of the infamous "McDonald's Slope" (麥當勞坡). The grueling three-hill section between kilometers 33 and 35 has long tested runners in the race's final stretch.
The slope, located at Huangqing Bridge (磺清大橋) in Jinshan District, consists of three consecutive steep inclines. It has been replaced by a flatter route along Provincial Highway 2, known locally as Huanjin Road (環金路).
"The McDonald's Slope around kilometers 33 to 35 is a boss-level hill; everyone struggles with it," New Taipei Mayor Hou You-yi (侯友宜) said at an Oct. 14 press conference. "Now we've moved the route to Provincial Highway 2, which is flatter and more comfortable."
The 25th edition of the marathon is scheduled for March 21, 2027. The race, which traverses the scenic coastal districts of Wanli (萬里), Jinshan (金山), and Shimen (石門), is Taiwan's first to earn the Gold Label certification from World Athletics.
Hou said the race has progressed from Bronze Label to Silver Label and finally to Gold Label during his tenure. He described the marathon as "New Taipei City's proudest sporting event."
"Wan Jin Shi has been going for 25 years," Hou added. "This is my last time hosting the marathon as mayor."
Elite athletes welcomed the course change but urged caution. Chou Ting-yin (周庭印), a six-time domestic men's champion and Jinshan native, said the slope had always been a test of endurance and willpower, especially combined with strong northeast monsoon winds.
"Even though next year's route is flatter, runners still need to watch their pacing and the sea wind," Chou said. "You can't just sprint blindly. Energy management and on-the-spot judgment remain key."
Hsieh Chien-ho (謝千鶴), the 2024 Wan Jin Shi women's champion and a Rio Olympics team member, said she looked forward to challenging herself on the revised course.
Registration runs through Oct. 30 at noon. Results of the lottery will be announced Nov. 3 on the marathon's official website and Facebook page.
To celebrate the 25th anniversary, organizers are offering a special promotion for runners born on March 21, 2002 — those turning exactly 25 on race day. A total of 50 free entry slots will be awarded by lottery: 25 for the full marathon and 25 for the challenge marathon category.
The marathon draws thousands of domestic and international runners each year. Organizers said the course redesign is part of ongoing efforts to help participants achieve personal bests while maintaining the race's international standards. ◼